If you were worried Rivian R2 because of its smaller size and price, you can seriously compromise your driving distance, you can relax.
Rivian Forums members discovered The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it has officially rated the R2 Performance Launch Package model’s range at 335 miles, or slightly ahead of the original 330-mile figure announced in March.
Test standards versus competition
All-wheel drive standard
This entry-level model produces 656 horsepower through dual motors, comes standard with an all-wheel drive system, and rides on 21-inch all-season wheels. The electric SUV is also not expected to sacrifice charging speed. The EPA estimates that the R2 will have 217 kW of DC fast charging capability, which is about the same number. R1S and R1T.
as Electrek Warning, this feat could have been achieved using Rivian less rigid testing standards relative to some of its competitors. You definitely won’t see 335 miles in real world conditions.
However, a spokeswoman confirmed that the production Launch Package will have the same heat pump as the EPA-tested model uses conventional air conditioning. You won’t see a drastic degradation of range in cold weather.
Rivian R2 series can be ahead of its class
Some competitors may be more useful
The range potentially puts the $57,990 R2 launch version ahead of other electric SUVs in its price bracket, including some trim levels for the car. Hyundai Ioniq 9 (up to 335 miles) and Chevy Blazer EV (currently up to 312 miles).
While Tesla’s Model Y theoretically beats the R2 with a maximum range of 357 miles, that’s only for the RWD Premium model. Stepping up to the AWD Premium puts the Tesla slightly behind at 327 miles.
Some competitors may be more useful. The Ioniq 9 is a three-row SUV, where the R2 only has two rows, making the Korean EV better for larger families. However, Rivian claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds for all R2 Performance versions. That’s well ahead of the Model Y AWD Premium’s 4.6 seconds, despite its claimed range advantage.
Price and availability
Early R2 customers won’t have much choice but to buy this most expensive variant.
The $53,990 R2 Premium ($450 hp, 330 mph, and 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds) won’t be available until late 2026, while the $48,490 R2 Standard ($350 hp, 345 mph, 5.9-second 0-60 mph) won’t be available until the first half of 2020.
Nevertheless, the EPA bodes well for Rivian, which is betting its long-term future on both R2 and R2. R3 hatchback.
Rivian has also received major investments recently, including $1 billion from longtime partner Volkswagen and $500 million from Ford. Uber also signed a $1.25 billion partnership that will eventually see the ridesharing giant deploy its self-driving R2 robot taxis.
